WWE Hall of Famer George "The Animal" Steele passed away on Friday at the age of 79.

On Thursday, it was reported that Steele's wife said the former wrestling star was in hospice care.

Wrestling fans will remember the legendary figure for his signature act of tearing open the turnbuckle covers and eating the stuffing inside. He'd also walk around with a bald stuffed animal that resembled him.

He made his professional wrestling debut back in 1967 and competed for more than two decades.

Some of his more memorable years came in the WWE as a villain. But he turned face in 1985 and went on to engage in quite the feud with Randy "Macho Man" Savage.

Steele lost the Intercontinental Championship match to Savage at WrestleMania 2 and was in Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat's corner when he beat Savage for the title at WrestleMania 3 in what many consider one of the greatest wrestling matches of all-time.

Many legendary wrestling figures left messages of condolences on their social media to the great George Steele.

 

 

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